Streaming Surge and Hidden Hits: The Untold Numbers Reshaping TV in 2025

The TV landscape in 2025 is being rewritten by streaming. New data reveals which shows are truly winning beyond the traditional ratings. The numbers show a massive shift in how people watch.

Network news programs and surprise streaming hits are drawing enormous audiences. These figures often go unnoticed in weekly top ten lists.

Beyond the Obvious: Standout Performers in a Crowded Market

A single episode of ABC’s High Potential now reaches over 8 million people on Hulu. This happens within weeks of its initial broadcast. The show gets about half its total audience from streaming, a new high for network TV.

Evening network newscasts still command a loyal, massive following. ABC’s World News Tonight draws nearly 8 million viewers each night. According to Nielsen data, these broadcasts often outrank most primetime entertainment shows.

On the streaming front, Netflix‘s Squid Game season two captivated 27.14 million U.S. viewers. This was measured over just five weeks. It remains one of the biggest hits of the year.

Industry Shifts and Unexpected Streaks

The decline of traditional cable is stark. The top-rated non-news cable show now averages just 1.31 million same-day viewers. This marks a dramatic drop from the era of hits like The Walking Dead.

Some streaks are incredibly resilient. The children’s show Bluey has spent over 163 straight weeks in Nielsen’s streaming top ten. That is the longest run since the company began publishing this data.

Live sports and event TV continue to dominate. Fox’s World Series coverage in late October gave the network its highest weekly audience since 2018. Football also provides a huge boost to Sunday night programming.

The 2025 TV story is defined by these hidden numbers. The data confirms a permanent move toward streaming flexibility. Traditional broadcast and cable are now just one part of a much larger, on-demand ecosystem.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the most-watched streaming show of 2025 so far?

Netflix‘s *Squid Game* season two is currently the leader. It reached 27.14 million U.S. viewers in its first five weeks. Final data for *Stranger Things* is still pending.

Which network show has the biggest streaming audience?

ABC’s drama *High Potential* leads all network series in streaming viewership. It adds over 8 million Hulu views per episode within weeks. This doubles its live broadcast audience.

How are traditional cable shows performing?

Ratings have fallen sharply outside of news and sports. The top entertainment cable show now averages just 1.3 million same-day viewers. This highlights a major shift in viewer habits.

What show has the longest streaming chart streak?

Disney+’s *Bluey* holds the record. It has been in Nielsen’s weekly top 10 for over 163 consecutive weeks. This is a run of more than three years.

Did any network shows see major growth this year?

Yes. ABC’s *Dancing With the Stars* saw a huge resurgence. Its ratings among adults 18-49 jumped 82% compared to the 2024 season.